Big Blue River (Kansas River tributary)
The Big Blue River is a major tributary of the Kansas River, located primarily in northeastern Kansas and southeastern Nebraska, in the United States. It is approximately 359 miles (578 km) long and drains a watershed of roughly 9,730 square miles (25,200 km2).
The river's name, "Big Blue," is derived from the distinctive bluish tint of its water, particularly when viewed from a distance. Its source is located in Butler County, Nebraska. From there, it flows generally southward into Kansas, passing through or near several communities, including Beatrice, Nebraska; Blue Rapids, Kansas; and Manhattan, Kansas, where it joins the Kansas River.
The Big Blue River is an important source of water for irrigation and municipal use in the region. Its watershed supports a variety of agricultural activities, including the cultivation of corn, soybeans, and wheat. The river and its surrounding riparian areas also provide habitat for numerous species of fish, birds, and other wildlife.
Significant tributaries of the Big Blue River include the Little Blue River, which joins it near Blue Rapids, and the Black Vermillion River, which enters the Big Blue further downstream.
The river has been subject to periodic flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt. Efforts have been undertaken to mitigate flood risks through the construction of dams and levees along its course. Tuttle Creek Lake, formed by a dam on the Big Blue River north of Manhattan, Kansas, serves as a major flood control reservoir and provides recreational opportunities.